I am concerned to hear that the European Union is about to consider lifting the embargo on arms trade with the People's Republic of China at its next summit. I respectfully urge you to vote against such a move.

I believe lifting the ban would be premature, harmful, and outright cynical as:
In recent days, we have commemorated the 45th anniversary of the Tibetan people's uprising against the occupation by the Chinese communist army that was brutally crushed by this army.
As you read this plea, the People's Republic of China is mounting its military threats against the democratic Republic of China on Taiwan.
In just a few months, the world will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen crimes against humanity that were never properly investigated or prosecuted and were perpetrated by the very army that EU would supply weapons to.
The Beijing regime continues to delay its ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The people of China are therefore not protected against similar brutal attacks by the "People's Liberation Army".
Your Excellency, I believe you will take all possible steps to prevent EU arms from hurting innocent people in China, Tibet, and Taiwan. I urge you to continue raising human rights concerns with the Beijing government and to maintain the arms trade ban until true reforms take place in China.

Sincerely,

(name, address)

Send your letter to one (or more) of the following foreign ministers

Austria
Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner
fax: +43 (5) 01159-0
email (form): http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=1438&LNG=en&version=

France
Mr. Dominique de Villepin
fax: + 33 1 43 17 53 53
email (form): http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/courrier/default.asp?lang=gb

Germany
Mr. Joschka Fischer
fax: +49-30-5000-3402
email: [email protected]

Italy
Mr. Franco Frattini
fax: +39 06.3236210
email: [email protected]

Spain
Ms. Ana Palacio Vallelersundi
fax: +34 91 379 97 00

Ireland
Mr. Brian Cowen
fax: +353 1 478 0822
email (form): http://www.eu2004.ie/sitetools/contact.asp

Netherlands
Mr. Bernard Bot
fax: +31 70 3484848
email: [email protected]

United Kingdom
Mr. Jack Straw
fax: +44 20 7008 1500
email: [email protected]